I have just been back from my holidays at my homeland (Brazil). Even though it was (a colder than average) winter there, it was still warmer or at least as warm as London. Which is great, as we can only travel that long during the school holidays! So now it's been about 8 years that I virtually have had no summers in my life. But I don't mind.

We've managed to arrive in Rio before heading to my hometown, and got to spend a few days there at a very dear friend's flat (who by the way used to live in London before). We where beyond spoiled there! This is the view we had from our bedroom (waking up to the famous Statue of Christ the Redeemer):

It was a short walk to the nearest beach (Leblon), very close to famous Copacabana and the beautiful Botanical Gardens. We had such a wonderful time there, and I can't wait to be back!!!

Btw our visit coincided with the Pope's, so it was a bit more crowded than usual. In a very peculiar way, as many of them were wearing their religious attires... 

New door

It has been a while since my last post, time really flies! Apparently spring has started (even if it doesn't feel like it here in England), so it was time for a spring cleaning. As we couldn't change our front door (it's a rented place), we decided to make a somewhat radical change. It was funny to see the postman confused while knocking the door after the make-over, but more than that I feel now much happier to open it!

                                                     

                                                                     

Samurai-inspired necklace for the V&A competition

I think the V&A is one of the best museums in London, and I really enjoy going there! So I was very excited to enter this competition (Inspired by): You have to design something inspired in one item of their amazing collection. It wasn't hard to decide for the Samurai costumes, as I find them one of the most fascinating pieces there!

I started this project a few years ago, made several test pieces, never quite got it right and gave up until the following year. This time I decided I would finish it on time for the competition. I got it done precisely 2 and 1/2 h before the deadline!

                                                      The final piece:

                                          The process:
                                       

 The inspiration:

At last!

It was a huge learning curve, since I started my jewellery course back in 2009. Not only learning numerous jewellery techniques, but also learning photography, web design, etc, etc. I have so many people to thank for all their help, it wouldn't fit in this blog if I named them all. But anyway, thank you all! And now finally my first batch of business and postcards is ready to be spread all over the world! And my website too! Yeay!